Ethnic Greek mayor in Albania sentenced to two years for vote buying

·

An Albanian court sentenced on Tuesday a mayor from the country’s Greek minority to two years in prison for buying votes, a ruling that is anticipated to exacerbate tensions with neighboring Greece.

Greece has urged Albania’s government to cease the proceedings against Fredi Beleri, claiming that the case may jeopardise Albania’s candidacy to join the European Union.

Beleri’s lawyer, Geni Gjyzari stated that the verdict, in its nature, was “political as the prime minister had ordered it,” further adding that he would appeal.

Beleri’s statement

“With a fake criminal record, no evidence, no other witnesses except one who was bribed by the police, with an ‘appointed’ judge, in a glass cage without communication with my lawyer, the Albanian court sentenced me today to two years in prison,” Fredi Beleri said in a statement.

Fredi Beleri
Fredi Beleri sits in an Albanian court. Photo: Ekathimerini.

“My crime is that we, Himarans, want to be masters of our ancestral land. My crime is that my countrymen elected me mayor against the plans of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama,” Beleri continued and vowed to continue his fight to clear his name.

“Sooner or later, I will find justice. I have as much patience as it takes to get to the bottom of this case.”

Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry responds

The two-year jail sentence lowered on ethnic Greek and Himare mayor-elect Fredi Beleri “intensifies concerns expressed in relation to how objective the process was,” the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) said on Tuesday.

Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry protests sentencing of Fredi Beleri
Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry protests sentencing of Fredi Beleri. Photo: amna.gr.

The Ministry further stated that the final sentence is disproportionate to the gravity of the so-called felony.

Such a “selective implementation of judicial decisions and the predetermined court decision does not agree with the rule of law,” the MFA said. It added that the Greek government is “closely monitoring the issue and looks forward to a just and objective decision in the appeal process.”

The Special Court on Corruption and Organised Crime also sentenced Beleri’s aide, Pantelis Kokavesis, to an 18-month suspended sentence.

Source: Ekathimerini and Amna.gr

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

‘We deserve support’: Greek Australian women respond to Archbishop Makarios’ abortion message

Over 140 Greek Australian women have condemned a recent statement by Archbishop Makarios of Australia on a woman's right to an abortion.

BREAKING: Maria Sakkari among 47 Australian Open players forced to quarantine in Melbourne

Maria Sakkari is one of 47 players participating in the Australian Open that will be forced to quarantine for 14 days.

Leon Sofilas charged in arson attack on former home of Jewish leader

Leon Sofilas, 37, has been charged in connection with an arson attack on the former home of Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin in Dover Heights.